Satellite images reveal Israeli army still holds five fortified positions in south Lebanon, widening access roads despite ceasefire requiring withdrawal.
PARIS: The Israeli army continues to maintain five fortified positions in south Lebanon one year after a ceasefire with Hezbollah, according to satellite images analysed by AFP.
The November 27, 2024 truce required Israel to fully withdraw troops from Lebanon within 60 days and Hezbollah to pull forces north of the Litani River.
Israel has kept troops in five positions it deems strategic to prevent Hezbollah military activities in south Lebanon.
AFP pinpointed these bases through satellite images from Planet Labs PBC.
Located on ridges across the Blue Line, these positions allow control of Lebanese border villages Israel considers key to protecting nearby Israeli communities.
The positions offer direct views of Kfar Kila, Aita al-Shaab, Maroun al-Ras, Aitaroun, Blida, Markaba and Hula – among the most destroyed by Israeli strikes.
Satellite images show all buildings near the Hatzivoni military outpost between Hula and Markaba have been destroyed.
Surrounded by earthen embankments, the positions of one to two hectares typically include temporary buildings and areas for military vehicles.
The westernmost outpost in Labbouneh appears built around 150 metres from a UN peacekeepers base and the Blue Line.
The easternmost base on Hamames hill is the deepest position in Lebanese territory, located about 1.5 kilometres from the border.
Satellite images also show access roads to these positions have been significantly widened to facilitate vehicle movement.
As in Gaza, the Israeli army systematically demolished buildings and infrastructure in villages closest to the border.
According to University of Oregon researchers, Kfar Kila was 65% destroyed, with Aita al-Shaab and Yarin at 57% and 55% destroyed respectively.
